Why are they so keen on getting everyone into the dorm for hot coco? Because they're chasing a feeling. They experienced fun or joy or deep connection once upon a time and they think if they can replicate all the characteristics of the first time they will feel that same depth of emotion again.

I think getting drunk can be seen as a form of vulnerability. Pippin has a sober night around Elrond because he wants to keep his wits about him but around Merry he relaxes and has a few ales. Merry forgives Pippin's misgivings easily and often. Choosing whether to partake or not could be a choice … Continue reading Vulnerability drinking →

Not all competitiveness manifests itself in the same way. Legolas is unbearable when he wins. He is smugness personified. Gimli pretends to be dumb and recounts all the kills he gets in a drawn out way so everyone can see how clever he are. Aragorn takes immense delight at the failings of others. And Boromir … Continue reading Competitive manifestations →

Thought experiment - if there was a simulator where you could be happy all the time, and you would forget soon after entering it that you are in a simulation, would you enter it? Most people would say no because it would lack 'realness'. Which begs the question - does happiness need to be earned? … Continue reading Happiness simulator →

The digital version of the Irish Times is laid out the exact same way as the printed version.Which struck me as odd because it makes for a terrible user experience on any device smaller than a laptop.It would be much easier to read if they reformatted the articles to resemble blog posts with the text … Continue reading Familiarity over convenience →

I think you can tell a lot about a person by the decor of their home.How many family photos do they have?What hangs on their walls - fine art or framed jerseys?Do they have a giant TV or a huge bookcase? Or both?It's inevitable, if they are in the home long enough, eventually their personality … Continue reading On their walls →

'No I'm ok' That is a possible response that everyone offering anything should be ready to hear. But the person doing the offering then got upset and tried to shame me into taking one. It's clear they took my rejection personally when the reality couldn't have been further from the truth. My saying no had … Continue reading No I’m ok →

The resting bored face. It may not be intentional. It may be automatic. But it deters me from speaking and makes me feel like returning the spotlight to the other person is the only way to feel comfortable again.

Merry Christmas everyone!! I hope you have an amazing day with your personal perfect amount of relaxation and fun.

There's only so much you can invite someone out of their shell. After a reasonable effort you have to defer to free will because let's face it there is a real danger you will scare them back into their shell.